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HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION Applications for Permits in National Register Historic Districts May 6, 2026 HR-2026-037163 Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District 522 Sunny Lane 14 – 1 Proposal Construct two housing units at the site of a previously approved demolition. Project Specifications At a uniquely shaped lot in the Travis Heights-Fairview Park historic district, construct two multi-story housing units. The demolition application for the existing house ahs already been approved by HLC. Research Upon construction, the house was first owned by Robert & Birdie Lundell, an auto mechanic in the city. It’s unclear exactly when, but during World War II it changed ownership to Jack & Ellen Ferrell, the former of whom served in the US Army. By 1949, the property was purchased by Forest & Dolores Cruse. Forest Cruse had a business selling imported cutlery and was an amateur chef who competed across the country. Together they raised a family and at least one son went into the family cutlery business. Design Standards The City of Austin’s Historic Design Standards (March 2021) are based on the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and are used to evaluate projects in National Register districts. The following standards apply to the proposed project: Residential new construction 1. Location Due to the shape of the lot, one unit will face Sunny Ln. and will be located up to the street setback. This street has varying setbacks for houses, which is likely due to the dramatic drop off in site elevation at the north side of the lots. The other unit will be placed closer to E. Riverside Dr., which has an existing curb cut that previously served this property. This is a difficult site and shape to work with, and the proposed design does a sufficient job of meeting the Design Standards. 2. Orientation Stated above, one unit is oriented towards Sunny Ln. The northern unit will face the driveway accessed via E. Riverside. While there are examples of contributing houses that face E. Riverside, it isn’t likely feasible in this situation due to the location of grade change on the site. 3. Scale, massing, and height Both units are multi-story, but will not read as taller than two stories. Due to elevation changes, these will not stand out visually when compared to surrounding properties. While the northern unit plans state that it will have four floors, the lowest will be placed at the base of the hill and will not appear as obtrusive as could be expected with so many floors. 4. Proportions The proportions of both units are both acceptable, given the shape of the property. By locating the southern unit close to the street setback, it must be narrow to fit within the L-shape of the lot. 5. Design and style The design of both units reads a modern, and there are numerous cutbacks and bump outs present, especially at the southern unit. These are mostly to fit within the front and side setbacks and, while not recommended, do fit the design of similar houses on the street. 14 – 2 6. Roofs Roofs are to be a combination of standing seam metal and composition shingle in material, and are at low or moderate pitches. Though it is recommended to simplify the roof forms, they are generally compatible with the Design Standards. 7. Exterior walls Proposed wall materials include 12” wood siding, 6” wood tongue and groove siding, Hardie board panels, stone veneer, and stucco. While all of these are compatible with the district when located appropriately, it is highly recommended that fewer types of materials are used in order to convey a coherent design across each of the units. 8. Windows and doors There are few details about the material or dimensions of the windows proposed for these units. However, the locations of the fixtures are generally in keeping with the Design Standards, and have a regular pattern across the street-visible elevations. Some units are square in shape, which is not common for contributing buildings, but these are not in as prominent of locations. 11. Attached garages and carports A two car garage will take up most of the front elevation of the southern unit, and the northern unit’s lowermost floor will be almost entirely taken up by a garage as well. Given the limited access for off-street parking in both cases, it is allowable to have such an orientation at both units. However, it is recommended to explore other options for off street parking where possible. Summary The project meets some of the applicable standards. Department Comments A demolition application for this address was approved by HLC at its January 7, 2026 meeting. For demolition in National Register districts, the permit is not released until an application for new construction in approved by the Commission. This application will time out on July 20, 2026. Staff Recommendation Comment on plans for new construction and release the application. Location Map 14 – 3 Property Information Photos 14 – 4 Occupancy History City Directory Research, December 2025 Demolition application, 2025 1959 1957 1955 1952 1949 1947 1944 1941 1939 1935 1932 1929 Forest & Dolores Cruse, owners; Cruse Forest & Son (address listed as 611 E. Riverside Dr.) Same as above Same as above Same as above Same as above Jack & Ellen Ferrell, owners; US Army Robert & Birdie Lundell, owners & Jack Ferrell, renter; US Army Robert & Birdie Lundell, owners; mechanic Same as above Same as above Same as above (address listed as 523 E. Riverside Dr.) Address not listed Historical Information 14 – 5 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Apr 23, 1963, 15. 14 – 6 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Oct 2, 1953, 15. 14 – 7 The Austin Statesman (1921-1973); Mar 7, 1951, 17. The Austin American (1914-1973); May 4, 1947, A8.